Can-labeling machine



Jan. 30, 1923.

Tl McGHEE ET AL.

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

FILED MAY 11, 192%.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l.'

17e rma, MIJ/be Peurl/ro c alle Jan. 30, 1923.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

bazen/fors y 1,443,610. T. MCGHEE ET AL. y

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

FILED MAYI1.1921.

Jan. 30, 1923.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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1,443,610. -T. MCGHEE ET AL.I

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

.FILED NIM/11.1921.

Patented Jan. 30, 1923.

UNITED STATES THURMAN MCGHEE AND PETER WQODHEAID, 0F HAYWABD, CALIFORNIA,.-

Application led May 11, 1921. Serial No. 468,659.

'/'o 1N whom. it 711114/ concern.'

Be it known that we, THURMAN McGrraE and PETER llvvooDHEAD, citizens of the United States, residing at Hayward, in the county of Alameda and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Can-Labeling Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a package labeling machine, and especially to a machine for labeling round, square and irregular shaped cans.

One of the objects of the present invention is to generally improve and simplify package labeling machines, and especially to provide a machine of the rotary type which is continuous in operation and so designed that round, square or irregular shaped packages or cans may be readily handled and labeled.

Another object of the invention is to pro-A vide a labeling machine to which the cans may be delivered by gravity and from which they will be automatically discharged; further to provide means for automatically applying the labels one by one and pasting and wrapping the same about each can.

Further objects will hereinafter appear.

The invention consists of the parts and the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter more fully described and claimed, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the machine partially in section.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the machine.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail view of one of the can receiving spindles and the mechanism actuating the same.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the detent or shoe whereby rotation of the can supporting spindles is prevented during certain positions assumed by the spindles.

Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of one of the star gears.

Referring to the drawings in detail. and particularly to 1 and 2. A and B indicate a pair of interspaced side frames suitably braced and tied with relation to each other by means of cross-brackets 2 and rods 3. Formed in each frame is a centrally disposed journal member 4, and journalled therein is a main shaft 5 which is driven from a driving shaft 6 by a worm gear drive such as indicated at 7 Secured on the shaft 5 1s a pair of interspaced turret members 8 and 9, and dlsposed between the turrets is a palr of star wheels 10the function of which will later be described. Journalled in the turret 9 is a plurality of spindle shafts 11, and secured on each shaft is a spindle head 12 and a dentent or shoe 13. The shafts are arranged around the periphery of the turret 9 and are equally interspaced. They are furthermore rotatable in the respective bearingmembers shown, as are also the spindle. heads 12 and the shoes 13, as these are se. cured to the respective spindle shafts. Disposed in the op osite turret 8 is a similar number of spin le shafts 14 and secured on the inner end of each shaft is a spindle head 15. The spindle shafts 14 are enlargedin diameter near their inner ends as at 16 to form an annular shoulder against which abuts a. helical spring 17, serving the function of forcing the spindle heads 15 inwardly ortowards the heads 12 as will hereinafter be described. Interposed between the springs 17 and the enlarged portion 16 are ball thrust bearings 18, and forming a support for the opposite end of each spring 17 is a bearing bushing 19. Turnably mounted on the opposite end of each shaft 14 is a spur pinion gear 20, and` formed on the hub or face of tie gear is a jaw clutch member 21. Formed on the outer end of the shaft 14 is a stop colla-r 22, and splined and slidably mounted on the shaft between the collar 22 and the jaw clutch member 21 is a cooperating jaw clutch 23. .This clutch is grooved and is actuated by a rocker arm 24 pivotally mounted betweenI bearing brackets 25 formed on the turret 8. One end of the rocker arm, is fork shaped to straddle and engage the clutch member 23, while the opposite end is turned at right angles to form a shoe 26 adapted to engage a stationary cam 27 supported by a ring 28` which in turn is secured to the main side frame A.

There are twelve sets of spindles shown in the present instance; the shafts 11 and 14 being placed in eXactalignment and similarly the heads 12 and 15. The spindle shafts 11 and t-he heads 12 are free to rotate in the turret head 9, and Similarly are the spindle shafts 14 and the heads 15 permitted to rotate in the turret head 8. The spindles 11 and the hea-ds 12 are however secured wise movement, but

against endwise movement in their respective journal members, while a predetermined endwise movement is imparted to the spindle shafts 14 and the heads 15 through means of the rocker arms 24 and the cam member 27. It may here be stated that each spindle 14 and head 15 is not only permitted an endalso a rotary movement, and it may further be stated that each spindle 14 is provided with a driving gear 20 and an actuating rocker arm 24. (See Figs. 1, 2 and 3.) The endwise movement imparted to the spindle shafts 14 and the heads 15 carried thereby is provided forfthe purpose of clamping the cans to be labeled and releasing the same when labeled. The rocker arms 24 and the cam 27 are provided for the purpose of imparting the endwise movement required, while the jaw clutch members 21 and 23, also actuated by the rocker arms, are provided for the purpose of imparting a rotary movement to the spindles 14 and the heads 15 when a can is in position. The rotary movement imparted to the spindles only takes place when a label has been applied, and while it is being Wrapped about the can.l The sp-indles are then brought to a rest and are positively secured against rotation by the shoes 13 when the cans are received and also when they are being discharged.

For the purpose of delivering the cans to be labeled, we provide an inclined chute such as shown at 30. This chute is placed on such an incline that the cans will advance by gravity; means however are provided for removing the cans one by one from the gravity chute and for delivering the same in successive order to the respective spindles as they pass the chute. This is accomplished by providing the star gear generally indicated at 10.- This gear consists of two pair of disks, each pair being interspaced or separated to such an extent that a can can just enter between the same to be received by suitably shaped pockets formed therein. In the present instance we have shownsquare shaped cans as being handled by the machine. In thatv instance we form square shaped pockets in the disk as indicated at 31. These pockets engage the ends of ther respective cans and thereby prevent the cans from falling down rbetween the spindle heads 15 have been pulled back heads as the )u st previous to aligning with the can delivering chute 30. The square shaped recesses in the st-ar wheels therefore support the cans4 and remove them one by one from the chute 30, and they furthermore serve the function of supporting and centering each can with relation to tli pa-ss. each pocket and the star dles as they pass means have been provided for driving the star gear in unison withr the e `respective spindles as they To insure absolute register between gears and the spinturrets and the spindles. The driving connection is formed by forming a semi-circular recess in the outer face of each star gear as indicated at 32. This recess is engaged by the Spindle heads 12 and is thus intermittently rotated by the spindles as they pass.` This drive is practically identical to a pin gear drive and it not only simplifies the general driving mechanism employed, but it absolutely insures centering of the cans with the respective spindle heads.

By referring to Fig. 5, which is a perspective View of one of the star gears, it can be Seen that each gear consists of two disks 33 and 34 as previously described; the outer disk having the semi-circular recesses formed therein to permit the driving connection to be formed between the star gears and the spindle heads, and the inner disk having the square shaped recesses formed therein for the reception of the cans. In order to support the star gear disks, we provide a cross rod 35 and a hanger arm 36. The lower end of thisarm carries a shaft 37, upon which the star gear disks are secured, and a pair of links 38 are also employed, the opposite ends of which are supported by the main Shaft 5; said main shaft being freely turnable in the links 38.

ln actual operation with power transmitted to the driving shaft 6, it can readily be seen that rotary movement will be transmitted to the main shaft 5 and the turret heads v8 and 9 secured thereto. The spindle heads which are arranged in pairs and aligned will thus pass in pairs by the can delivering chute 30 and they will at the same time transmit, practically speaking, a continuous rotary movement to the star gear disks previously referred to. If the chute is loaded with cans, it can readily be seen that the cans will be released one by one as they drop in the square recesses formed in the star gear disks, and similarly that they will be centered and held between the spindle heads during this portion of the revolution of the turrets. .The rocker arms 24 will at this time engage the cani 27 supported by the ring 28 and will thus previously have retracted the spindle heads 15 'to permit the cans to enter. The moment however that a can has entered and when a pair of spindle heads begins to leave the stargear disks, it happens that the shoe 26 rides off the cam 27, thus permitting the spring 17 to force the spindle shaft 14 inwardly, and similarly the spindle head 15; this inward movement being sufficient to engage and clamp the can. The can thus clampedtravels with the spindles until it aligns with a paste applying roll, generally indicated at 40. 1t next picks up a label 'at the' point indicated at 41 and it then passes a second paste applying ro-ll 42 and finally enters a semi-circular shaped brush 43, lwhich assists in wrapping and smoothing out the label on the can. 1 A can when entering, as previously stated, ris clamped between the spindle heads 12 and 15 the moment the spindle moves out of engagement with the star gears. The spindles are, however, held against rotation until the brush 43 is reached as the shoe 13 rides in engagement with the stationary guide 13a secured tothe side frame B. This shoe 13.

prevents the rotation of the spindle 11 and as the clutch members 21 and 23 on the spindle are out of engagement, the friction caused by the clamping action-of the spindle heads 15 and 12, with the can will prevent rotation of the spindle 14. This guide commences at a point indicated at 44 and ends at the beginning of the brush 43. In other words the shoes 13 secure the spindle heads against rotation during this time period. The Vcam 27 commences at the point indicated at 45 and has its first offset indicated at 27a formed at a point in alignment with the end of the chute 30. The first offset in this cam permits a suicient inward movement .of the spindles 14 to clamp the cans received. is however reached where the brush 43 commences. A still further inward movement of the clutch 23 will then take place and the clutch member 21 is then engaged and as a rotary movement is transmitted to the spindles 14, the heads 15, and through the can clamped between the heads 15 and 12, it is obvious that rotary movement will also be transmitted to the heads 12, the spindles 11 and the shoes 13; in other words cam 27 commences at the point 45. The irst offset 27a is formed at the end of the can delivering chute 30 and the end of the cam or last offset formed, as sho-wn at 27 b, is reached when the brush 43 is engaged. Rotary movement is then imparted to the spindle heads and the can clamped between the same, and this rotary movement continues until the beginning of cam 27 is again reached. This rotary movement is imparted by a spur gear 50 which is stationary and secured to the main frame section A. The spur pinions 20 continuously run in mesh with this gear are therefore continuously rotating during the revolution of the turrets 8 and 9. They however only impart a rotary movement to the spindles 14 when the jaw clutches 21 and 23 are engaged, and as this engagement is only maintained from the point where the brush 43 commences to the point 45, or where a can discharging chute 52 is reached,y it is obvious that the spindles and the cans clamped between the same will only rotate during this portion of each revolution of the turrets and that they will remain stationary while travelling from the point 45 until the lower end of the brush 43 is again reached; they being held against rotation during this period by the shoes 13 as these swing in en- A second offset indicated atA 27b i gagement with the stationary guide 13l during this period.

The labels to be p-asted andl wrapped about the cans are supported in a container generally indicated at C. This container is box-like in structure, and rectangular in shape. It is provided with a movable bottom section and a cover section 71; the labels 72 being placed between the bottom section and thecover 71 and being held against the cover 71 with a predetermined and uniform pressure; such pressure being maintained by a rack 73 secured to they bot-v tom section, aA segment 74 engaging the same, a lever 75, a counterweight 76 slidable o-n the lever, and a link connection 77 between the counter-weight and the bottom 70. When first filling the container shown, it is obvious that the weight on the bottom section will be considerable and that this weight will decrease asv the labels are removed one by one. It is however of considerable importance that a uniform pressure be maintained between the uppermost label and the cover 71 regardless of whether the label stack is small or large. Such uniform pressure is maintained in the present instance by providing the sliding counterweight 76 and the link 77, that is when the label stack is large, the bottom section 70 will assume its lowermost position, and due to the link '77 the counterweight 7 6 will assume its outermost position on the lever 7 5, thereby exerting its greatest lever and weight action when the bottom 70 supports a large stack. However` as the stack decreases an'd the bottom moves upwardly. an inward pull is exerted on the counteI-weight and the weight and lever action is thus gradually decreased; in this manner maintaining a constant and uniform pressure on the uppermost label with relation to the cover 71. Mounted above the label container, at one end thereof, is a paste receptacle 7 8, and journalled therein is a pair of distributing rollers 79 and 40. with one of which each can engages when passing, that is by referring to Fig. 1, it can be seen that the corner of one can is just engaging the roller 40, and as the roller 40 has a length equal to the can, it is ob-vious that a strip of paste will be applied along the entire length of the can. A. further movement of the turrets or the can to which the paste has been applied, will cause it to engage or wipe the uppermost label 7 2 in the container C and a fric-tional pull will thus be exerted which is suflicient to remove the uppermost label. This label is further, applied or attached to the can by passing it over a yieldable rollerl 80, and a second application of paste is made when the can passes the paste applying roller 42 arranged at the forward end of the label container. The second application of paste takes place on the same corner of thecan and from end to end thereof, but on the exterior of the label which has already been partially attached. The can now enters into alignment with the brush and as the rocker arm 24 leaves the cam 27, at this point, it is obvious that a rotary movement will be transmitted to the sp-indle heads and the can held between the same, and that the label will be wrapped about the can and the. free end secured by the paste last applied; the wrapping being positively insured in this instance as one or more revolutions is imparted to the can while passing the brush 43, and it may therefore be stated that the label is brushed or wrapped about the can and as such should present a smooth and uniform surface. The yieldably supported roller 80 serves two functions, first that of exerting a pressure on the end of the label which has been picked up by the pasted corner of the can, and it secondly accomplishes the function of elevating the trailer portion of the label with relation to the paste applying roller 42 when the can is passing the same, thus preventing the application of paste to the exterior of the label except at one end thereof or when the corner of the can passes the roller 42. The revolution of the can continues until the discharge chute 52 is reached when the rocker arm 24 is again engaged by the cam- 27. This cam first causes the jaw clutches 21 and 23 to disengage, Y wise pull to be exerted on the spindle 14 and the head 15 which is suflicient to release the can which then drops into the chute 52, which is suflciently steep to permit the cans to roll or slide out by gravity.

By referring to Fig. 1, and particularly to the sectional showing of the label container, it will be seen that the cover 71 is so short as to leave the forward end of the container open. The forward end of each label is-thus exposed and is in a position to be applied or engaged by the pasted corner of each can as it passes. This is of importance as it permits a frictional pull to be exerted which is sufficient to remove the labels. In order to prevent removal of more than one label at a time, we provide a cross bar 90. This bar contains one or more pins on sharp perforated members 91 which enter the rear ends of the labels, that is sufficient pressure is exerted on the label stack to cause two or three or more labels to be perforated by the pins 91. It is thus impossible to remove any label without tearing the rear, end of the same as the pins 91 pass therethrough, thus when a can ipasses and its pasted corner frictionally engages the forward end of a label, africtional pull 4sufficient to tear the label away from the pins 91 is exerted. The friction between the uppermost label and the second label however is not sufficiently great to tear the second label away and secondly an end` from the pins, and it is thus ossible to insure removal of only one labe ata time.

The present machine while particularly intended for handling square, oval and ir'- regular shaped cans, is equally adaptable for round cans, and for other package goods. Its capacity is large due to the fact 'that every action is automatic and also because its operation is continuous, that is the cans are deliveredby gravity, and similarly discharged by gravity. `The cans are automatically pasted, the labels are automatically picked up and are finally wrapped and discharged in the chute 52; the action being the same whether the can be square, round or otherwise.

While certain features of the present invention are more or less specifically illustrated, we wish it understood that various changes in form and proportion may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims, similarly that the materials and finish of the several parts employed may be such as-the experience and judgment of the manufacturer may dictate or varying uses ma demand.

what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. In a can labeling machine of the character described, a label container supporting a stack of labels, a member adapted to receive and clamp acan, means for imparting a movement to said member which will cause the can to pass the stack and frictionally engage one end of the uppermost label in the stack, means for applying a strip of paste longitudinally of the can previous to its engagement with the label so that the label will adhere to the can when the can frictionally engages the same, means for applying a second strip of paste to the label subsequent toits engagement with the can and on the outside thereof and to the end thereof which is attached to the can, and

aving thus described our invention,`

means for imparting a rotary movement to the can after the secorid application of paste.

2. In a can labeling machine-of the character described,'a label container supporting a stack of labels, a member adapted to receive and clamp a can, means for imparting a movement to said member which will cause the can to pass the stack and frictionally engage one end of the uppermost label in the stack, means for applying a strip of paste longitudinally of the can previous to its engagement with the label so that the label'will adhere to the cali when the can frictionally 'engages the same, means for applying a second strip of paste to the label and to the end thereof which is attached to the can subsequent to its engagement with the can and on the outside thereof, means for imparting a rotary movement to the can after the second application of paste, and

yieldable means engageable with' the can cured on the shaft, a plurality during its rotary movement to wrap the label about the can.

3. In a can labeling machine a pair of turret members, a .pair' of spindle shafts journaled one in each turret member and in alignment with each other, a spindle head on `each shaft, means for delivering and clamping a can between said spindle heads a pair of interspaced paste applying members, a label container interposed between said members and supporting a stack of labels, and means for'imparting a rotary movement to the turret members which will cause the can first to engage one paste applying member, secondly to engage and frictionally remove a label from the container, and third to cause engagement with the second paste applying member so as to apply paste to the outside of the label. l

4. In a machine of the character described a pair of interspaced turret members, a plurality of pairs of aligned spindle shafts journalled 1n the respective turret members, a spindle head secured on each spindle shaft and separated to permit insertion of a can between each pair of aligned spindle heads,

a chute for delivering the cans, a pair of star gears disposed between the turret members and in front of the chute adapted to remove the cans one by one and also adapted to deliver and center the cans with relation to the respective spindle heads, means for imparting a rotary movement to the turrets, and recesses formed in the star gears adapted to intermesh with the spindle heads and A to be driven thereby.

5. In a machine of the character described a main frame, a shaft'journalled therein, a pair of interspaced ,turret members seof spindle shafts journalled in one turret member, a plurality of aligned spindle shafts secured in the second turret member, a spindle head secured on each of the shafts, means for imparting a -rotary movement to the turrets in unison, means actuated by said rotary movement for imparting a step by step longitudinal movement`to the spindle shafts and heads journalled in the rst named turret member, other means for imparting a rotary movement thereto, and means carried by the spindle shafts of the second named turret member forsecuring the spindle' shafts and heads against rotation.

, 6. In a machine of the character described, a main frame, a shaft Journalled therein, a pair of interspaced turret members secure on the shaft, a Iplurality of spindle shafts journalled in one turret member, a plurality of aligned spindle shafts secured in the second turret member, a spindle head secured on each of the shafts, means for imparting4 a rotary movement to the turrets in unison, means Jelevated position means carried by the spindle shafts of the second named turret member for securing the spindle shafts and heads against rotation, a can delivering chute entering between the turret members and the opposed spindle heads, a star .gear journalled between the turret members adapted to remove the cans one by one and also adapted to deliver and center the cans with relation to the spindle heads, means for imparting a rotary movement to the star gear, means for maintaining a predetermined relation between the star gear andthe spindle heads, and a can discharging chute disposed between-the turrets and the spindle heads.

7 In a machine of the character described, the combination with the turret members and the spindle shafts and heads journalled therein, of means for delivering and centering cans with relation to the spindle heads, means for applying a longitudinally disposed strip cf paste to each can delivered to the spindle heads, means for attaching one end of a label thereto, means for applying paste to the exterior of each label and at the end thereof'which has been attached to the can, lmeans for preventing application of paste to the remainder of the label, means for transmitting a rotary movement to the'spindle heads when the label has been attached and the paste applied, and a brush engageable with the can and label to wrap and smooth the label on the can during the rotation of the spindle heads and can.

8. In a machine of the character described the combination with the turret members and the spindle shafts and heads journalled therein, of means for delivering and centering cans with relation to the spindle heads, means for applying a longitudinally disposed strip ofl paste to each can delivered to the spindle heads, means for attaching one end of a label thereto, means for applying paste to the exterior of each label and at the end thereof which has been attachedto the can, a yieldable roller disposed in front of the last named paste applying means and elevated with relation thereto, said roller engaging the end o f the label which is attached to the can before the second application of paste is made, said roller also holding the trailing end ofthe label in an to prevent further applimeans for transmitting a to the spindle heads and the can disposed between the same, a brush engaging the can during the revolution thereof to smooth and wrap the label about the can, a can discharging chute disposed between the' spindle heads, and means for cation of paste, rotary movement imparting a longitudinal movement to the spindle shafts and heads journalled in one of the turrets when the 'can discharging chute is reached to permit the cans to drop by gravity into said chute.

In a can' labeling machine, a.pair of interspaced rotary turrets, aligned spindles carried by each of the said turrets for clamping cans therebetween,means for imparting a step by step'motion to the spindles on one of the turret members to clam and release the cans, a label container adjacent the turrets and in the path of travel of the cans and means for automatically maintaining uniform times.

10. In a machine of the class described, a pair of interspaced turret members, a plurality of pairs of aligned spindle shafts journaled in the respective turret members, 20 a spindle head secured on each spindle shaft and operated to permit the insertion of a can between the same, a chute for delivering the cans, means for rotating the turret member and means operated by the spindle heads for 25 centering and deliverinv' the cans.

THUR AN MCGHEE. PETER WOODHEA'D.

pressure upon the labels at all 15 

